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  • What is the best time for orthodontic treatment?
  • When will my baby start getting teeth?
  • Why are the primary (baby) teeth so important?
  • Fluoride
  • What is the best toothpaste for my child?
  • Does Your Child Grind His Teeth At Night? (Bruxism)
  • Thumb sucking
  • Babby bottle tooth decay – early childhood caries
  • Eruption of your child’s teeth
  • How do I prevent cavities?
  • Seal out decay
  • Mouth guards
  • Tongue piercing, is it really cool?
  • Tobacco, bad news in any form
What is the best time for orthodontic treatment?

Developing malocclusions, or bad bites, can be recognized as early as 2-3 years of age. Often, early steps can be taken to reduce the need for major orthodontic treatment at a later age. Your child may benefit from one or more of the following treatments:

Stage I – Early Treatment:This period of treatment encompasses ages 2 to 6 years. At this young age, we are concerned with underdeveloped dental arches, the premature loss of primary teeth, and harmful habits such as finger or thumb sucking. Treatment initiated in this stage of development is often very brief and many times, though not always, can eliminate the need for future orthodontic/orthopedic treatment.

Stage II – Mixed Dentition:This period covers the ages of 6 to 12 years, with the eruption of the permanent incisor (front) teeth and 6 year molars. Treatment concerns deal with jaw malrelationships and dental realignment problems. This is an excellent stage to start treatment, when indicated, as your child’s hard and soft tissues are usually very responsive to orthodontic or orthopedic forces.

Stage III – Adolescent Dentition:This stage deals with the permanent teeth and the development of the final bite relationship.

When will my baby start getting teeth?

Teething, the process of baby (primary) teeth coming through the gums into the mouth, is variable among individual babies. Some babies get their teeth early and some get them late. In general the first baby teeth are usually the lower front (anterior) teeth and usually begin erupting between the age of 6-8 months.

Why are the primary (baby) teeth so important?

It is very important to maintain the health of the primary teeth. Neglected cavities can and frequently do cause pain and/or infection. When left untreated, these cavities can negatively affect developing permanent teeth. Primary teeth, or baby-teeth are important for:

  1. Proper chewing and eating
  2. Providing space for the permanent teeth and guiding them into the correct position, and
  3. Permitting normal development of the jaw bones and muscles. Primary teeth also affect the development of speech and add to an attractive appearance. While the front 4 teeth last until 6-7 years of age, the back teeth (cuspids and molars) aren’t replaced until age 10-13.
Fluoride

Fluorides are a natural occurring trace element in most sources of water. Too little fluoride in your child’s water will lead to a lifetime of unnecessary decay. Too much can lead to dental fluorosis. Fluorosis is a chalky white, yellow, or even brown discoloration of the permanent teeth. Many children often get more fluoride than their parents realize. Being aware of a child’s potential sources of fluoride can help parents prevent the possibility of dental fluorosis.Some of these sources are:

  • Too much fluoridated toothpaste at an early age.
  • The inappropriate use of fluoride supplements.
  • Hidden sources of fluoride in the child’s diet.

Two and three-year olds may not be able to expectorate (spit out) fluoride-containing toothpaste when brushing. As a result, these youngsters may ingest an excessive amount of fluoride during tooth brushing. Toothpaste ingestion during this critical period of permanent tooth development is the greatest risk factor in the development of fluorosis. A very tiny pea-size amount of toothpaste should be used with this age group.

Excessive and inappropriate intake of fluoride supplements may also contribute to fluorosis.

Fluoride drops and tablets, as well as fluoride fortified vitamins should not be given to infants younger than six months of age. After that time, fluoride supplements should only be given to children after all of the sources of ingested fluoride have been accounted for and upon the recommendation of your pediatrician or pediatric dentist.

Certain foods contain high levels of fluoride, especially: powdered concentrate infant formula, soy-based infant formula, infant dry cereals, creamed spinach, and infant chicken products. Please read the label or contact the manufacturer. Some beverages also contain high levels of fluoride, especially white grape juices and juice drinks manufactured in fluoridated cities. Parents can take the following steps to decrease the risk of fluorosis in their children’s teeth:

    • Use baby tooth cleanser on the toothbrush of the very young child.
    • Place only a tiny, pea-size drop of children’s toothpaste on the brush when brushing.
    • Account for all of the sources of ingested fluoride before requesting fluoride supplements from your child’s physician or pediatric dentist.
    • Avoid giving any fluoride-containing supplements to infants until they are at least 6 months old.
    • Obtain fluoride level test results for your drinking water before giving fluoride supplements to your child (check with local water utilities).
What is the best toothpaste for my child?

Tooth brushing is one of the most important tasks for good oral health. Many toothpastes, and/or tooth polishes, however, can damage young smiles. They contain harsh abrasives which can wear away young tooth enamel. When looking for a toothpaste for your child, make sure to pick one that is recommended by the American Dental Association. These toothpastes have undergone testing to insure they are safe to use. Remember, children should spit out toothpaste after brushing to avoid getting too much fluoride. If too much fluoride is ingested, a condition known as fluorosis can occur. If your child is too young or unable to spit out toothpaste, consider providing them with a fluoride free toothpaste, using no toothpaste, or using only a “tiny pea-sized” amount of toothpaste.

Does Your Child Grind His Teeth At Night? (Bruxism)

Parents are often concerned about the nocturnal grinding of teeth (bruxism). Often, the first indication is the noise created by the child grinding on their teeth during sleep. Or, the parent may notice wear (teeth getting shorter) to the dentition. One theory as to the cause involves a psychological component. Stress due to a new environment, divorce, changes at school, etc. can influence a child to grind his or her teeth. Another theory relates to pressure in the inner ear at night. If there are pressure changes (like in an airplane during take-off and landing when people are chewing gum, etc. to equalize pressure) the child will grind by moving his jaw to relieve this pressure. Children who are very active, often “burn off energy at night” by grinding their teeth. Growing jaws can also sometimes result in grinding if one jaw grows more rapidly than the other. Disproportionate growth in jaws can be detected by your pediatric dentist.The majority of cases of pediatric bruxism do not require any treatment. If excessive wear of the teeth (attrition) is present, then a mouth guard (night guard) may be indicated. The mouth guard can help to prevent wear to the primary dentition.The good news is most children outgrow bruxism. The grinding gets less between the ages 6-9 and children tend to stop grinding between ages 9-12. If you suspect bruxism, discuss this with your pediatrician or pediatric dentist.

Thumb sucking

Thumb sucking is a natural reflex and a normal activity. Fingers, thumbs, or pacifiers may be preferred by some infants. When the habit is intense or vigorous and persists longer than normal, severe un-correctable orthodontic problems can result. Individual counseling is recommended to determine if your child is prone to these problems.

Babby bottle tooth decay – early childhood caries
One serious form of decay among young children is baby bottle tooth decay. This condition is caused by frequent and long exposures of an infant’s teeth to liquids that contain sugar. Among these liquids are milk (including breast milk), formula, fruit juice and other sweetened drinks.Putting a baby to bed for a nap or at night with a bottle other than water can cause serious and rapid tooth decay. Sweet liquid pools around the child’s teeth giving plaque bacteria an opportunity to produce acids that attack tooth enamel. If you must give the baby a bottle as a comforter at bedtime, it should contain only water. If your child won’t fall asleep without the bottle and its usual beverage, gradually dilute the bottle’s contents with water over a period of two to three weeks. After each feeding, wipe the baby’s gums and teeth with a damp washcloth or gauze pad to remove plaque. The easiest way to do this is to sit down, place the child’s head in your lap or lay the child on a dressing table or the floor. Whatever position you use, be sure you can see into the child’s mouth easily. Be sure to lift the lip to check along the gum line.
Eruption of your child’s teeth
Children’s teeth begin forming before birth. As early as 4 months, the first primary (or baby) teeth to erupt through the gums are the lower central incisors, followed closely by the upper central incisors. Although all 20 primary teeth usually appear by age 3, the pace and order of their eruption varies.Permanent teeth begin appearing around age 6, starting with the first molars and lower central incisors. This process continues until approximately age 21.Adults have 28 permanent teeth, or up to 32 including the third molars (or wisdom teeth).
How do I prevent cavities?
Good oral hygiene removes bacteria and the left over food particles that combine to create cavities. For infants, use a wet gauze or clean washcloth to wipe the plaque from teeth and gums. Avoid putting your child to bed with a bottle filled with anything other than water.For older children, brush their teeth at least twice a day. Also, watch the number of snacks containing sugar that you give your children. Remember that dried fruit treats are mostly sugar!The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends six month visits to the pediatric dentist beginning at your child’s first birthday. Routine visits will start your child on a lifetime of good dental health.Your pediatric dentist may also recommend protective sealants or home fluoride treatments for your child. Sealants can be applied to your child’s molars to prevent decay on hard to clean surfaces.
Seal out decay
Children’s teeth begin forming before birth. As early as 4 months, the first primary (or baby) teeth to erupt through the gums are the lower central incisors, followed closely by the upper central incisors. Although all 20 primary teeth usually appear by age 3, the pace and order of their eruption varies.Permanent teeth begin appearing around age 6, starting with the first molars and lower central incisors. This process continues until approximately age 21.Adults have 28 permanent teeth, or up to 32 including the third molars (or wisdom teeth).
Mouth guards
When a child begins to participate in recreational activities and organized sports, injuries can occur. A properly fitted mouth guard is an important piece of athletic gear that can help protect your child’s smile. It should be used during any activity that could result in a blow to the face or mouth.Mouth guards help prevent broken teeth and injuries to the lips, tongue, face or jaw. A properly fitting mouth guard will stay in place while your child is wearing it, making it easy for them to talk and breathe.Ask your pediatric dentist about custom and store-bought mouth protectors.
Tongue piercing, is it really cool?
You might not be surprised anymore to see people with pierced tongues, lips or cheeks. You may, however, be surprised to know just how dangerous these piercings can be.There are many risks involved with oral piercings; including chipped or cracked teeth, blood clots, the risk of choking, or blood poisoning. Your mouth contains millions of bacteria, and infection is a common complication of oral piercing. Your tongue could swell large enough to close off your airway!
Common symptoms after piercing include pain, swelling, infection, an increased flow of saliva and injuries to gum tissue. Difficult-to-control bleeding or nerve damage can result if a blood vessel or nerve bundle is in the path of the needle.
So follow the advice of the Kenya Dental Association and give your mouth a break- skip the mouth jewelry!
Tobacco, bad news in any form

 Tobacco in any form can jeopardize your child’s health and cause incurable damage. Teach your child about the dangers of tobacco.Smokeless tobacco, also called spit, chew or snuff, is often used by teens who believe that it is a safe alternative to smoking cigarettes. This is an unfortunate misconception. Studies show that spit tobacco may be more addictive than smoking cigarettes and may be more difficult to quit. Teens who use it may be interested to know that one can of snuff per day delivers as much nicotine as 60 cigarettes. In as little as three to four months, smokeless tobacco use can cause periodontal disease and produce precancerous lesions called leukoplakias.If your child is a tobacco user you should watch for the following that could be early signs of oral cancer:

  • A sore that won’t heal
  • White or red leathery patches on your lips, and on or under your tongue.
  • Pain, tenderness, or numbness anywhere in the mouth or lips.
  • Difficulty chewing, swallowing, speaking, or moving your jaw or tongue.
  • A change in the way the teeth fit together.

Because the early signs of oral cancer usually are not painful, people often ignore them. If it’s not caught in the early stages, oral cancer can require extensive, sometimes disfiguring, surgery. Even worse, it can kill.Help your child avoid tobacco in any form. By doing so, they will avoid bringing cancer-causing chemicals in direct contact with their tongue, gums and cheek.


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